Evidence-Based Practice Guideline: Delirium.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Delirium is a frequent cause of illness and death in hospitalized older adults, often occurring alongside dementia.
• Older patients with delirium face higher risks of hospital-acquired infections, pressure ulcers, immobility, and nutritional deficits.
• Delirium leads to increased healthcare costs, prolonged hospital stays, and greater need for post-discharge long-term care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize an evidence-based guideline for managing delirium in hospitalized older adults.
• To provide a framework focusing on predisposing and precipitating factors of delirium.
• To outline evidence-based assessment and intervention principles for delirium management.

Main Methods:

• Review of evidence-based guidelines for delirium management in older adults.
• Framework development focusing on predisposing and precipitating factors.
• Identification of reliable and valid assessment instruments and measurable outcomes.

Main Results:

• The guideline provides a structured approach to delirium care, addressing risk factors and offering evidence-based interventions.
• It includes principles for assessment and intervention, alongside validated assessment tools.
• Measurable outcomes and a quality improvement strategy are identified for effective delirium management.

Conclusions:

• Implementing this evidence-based guideline can help prevent or mitigate delirium effects in hospitalized older patients.
• A systematic approach focusing on risk factors, assessment, and intervention is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Quality improvement initiatives are essential for enhancing the management of delirium in geriatric populations.